14 Things I Stopped Doing That Save Me Hundreds Each Month

Saving money doesn’t always come from cutting out your daily coffee or skipping that fancy meal once a week—sometimes, the biggest savings come from making more significant, lifestyle changes. Over time, I realized that certain habits and conveniences were costing me hundreds of dollars each month without me even realizing it.

It wasn’t until I started looking deeper into my spending that I uncovered some serious money-draining habits. So, I decided to make some bold moves and stop doing things that were quietly eating away at my budget.

In this article, I’m sharing 14 things I stopped doing that ended up saving me hundreds of dollars every month. These aren’t just small tweaks—they’re lifestyle changes that made a big difference in my financial situation. If you’re ready to get serious about saving money, these tips might just inspire you to rethink where your money is going, too.

1. Cutting Out Subscription Services I Barely Use

At one point, I realized I was subscribed to more services than I could even remember. Between streaming platforms, apps, and online memberships, I was losing money on things I barely used. Sure, $10 here and $20 there doesn’t seem like much, but it adds up fast. I found myself paying for convenience I didn’t actually need.

I took a hard look at all the subscriptions I was signed up for, including things I had totally forgotten about. Some had been quietly charging me for months (or even years), draining my account without offering much value in return. After evaluating what I truly used, I canceled everything I didn’t absolutely love or rely on.

Now, I’m more intentional about where my money goes. I choose a few key services that actually enhance my life, and I feel much more in control of my spending. The best part? I’m saving a significant chunk of money each month without even missing those extras.

2. Stopped Buying Pre-Packaged and Convenience Foods

Pre-packaged foods and convenience meals used to be a big part of my grocery routine. They’re quick, easy, and sometimes even seem cheaper. But when I really broke down the cost per serving, I realized that convenience was coming at a premium. Not to mention, I wasn’t always getting the freshest or healthiest options.

I made the switch to cooking most things from scratch, and it’s been a game-changer. Bulk ingredients are often much cheaper and go a lot further. Plus, I’ve gotten better at meal prepping, so I’m not scrambling at dinnertime. While it takes a bit more effort, the savings are substantial, and the food is way better.

What surprised me most was how much less I waste now. Instead of letting pre-packaged meals go bad in the fridge or pantry, I’m using up everything I buy. My grocery bills have dropped significantly, and I feel great knowing exactly what’s going into my meals.

3. Eliminated Dining Out Entirely

I used to justify dining out by telling myself I deserved the treat, or that I didn’t have time to cook. But when I looked closely at my expenses, I realized those restaurant bills were seriously denting my budget. Even the occasional takeout meal was adding up faster than I expected.

I decided to challenge myself: no dining out for a month. Instead, I committed to cooking all my meals at home, even on those nights when I was tempted to order delivery. It was tough at first, but once I got into the groove, it became second nature. I rediscovered the joy of cooking, and I felt more connected to my food.

The best part? The savings were immediate and massive. Eating out just a few times a week had been costing me hundreds of dollars a month. By cutting it out, I’ve freed up so much extra cash, and I don’t even miss it. Plus, my health has benefited from all the home-cooked goodness!

4. Stopped Using My Dryer—Air Drying Everything

At first, air drying all my laundry seemed like a hassle. The convenience of the dryer is hard to beat when you’re in a rush. But once I started paying attention to my electricity bill, I realized my dryer was a major energy hog. Every time I used it, I was throwing money out the window.

I decided to give air drying a try, and now I’m hooked. Not only does it save me a surprising amount on my utility bill, but it’s also better for my clothes. They last longer because they aren’t exposed to the heat and friction of the dryer. It’s a win-win situation.

Sure, it takes a little more time and effort, but the savings are worth it. I’ve gotten into a routine of hanging clothes outside on nice days, or using an indoor drying rack during bad weather. It’s become part of my lifestyle, and I love that I’m saving money without sacrificing anything.

5. Cancelled Gym Membership and Started Home Workouts

I used to believe that a gym membership was a necessity if I wanted to stay fit. But between work, errands, and life in general, I found myself barely using it. Still, every month, that membership fee came out of my account like clockwork. It started to feel like I was paying for something I wasn’t getting any value from.

So, I canceled my gym membership and started working out at home. At first, I was worried I wouldn’t stick with it, but there are so many free or affordable resources online—YouTube workouts, fitness apps, you name it. I realized I didn’t need fancy equipment or a monthly fee to stay active.

Now, I’m saving money while still staying in shape. The best part is that I can work out whenever it fits into my schedule, without the pressure of getting to the gym. And with the savings, I was able to invest in a few affordable workout tools, like resistance bands and dumbbells, that will last for years.

6. No More Uber or Lyft—Relying on Public Transit

Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft can be super convenient, but they come with a price. What started as an occasional splurge turned into a regular expense, and before I knew it, I was spending more on rides than I realized. It was time for a change.

I decided to ditch ridesharing altogether and rely on public transit. At first, it was a bit of an adjustment—waiting for buses and planning routes takes more time—but the savings were undeniable. I also found that I was getting more exercise by walking to and from bus stops, which was an unexpected bonus.

Now, I only use Uber or Lyft for emergencies or when absolutely necessary. Public transportation costs a fraction of what I was spending on ridesharing, and the money I’ve saved goes straight back into my budget. Plus, it’s better for the environment, which makes me feel good about my choice.

7. Stopped Upgrading My Phone Every Year

For years, I fell into the trap of upgrading my phone as soon as the latest model came out. It felt exciting to have the newest tech, but each upgrade came with a hefty price tag—either through a new contract or outright purchase. After a while, I realized it just wasn’t worth it.

Now, I’ve made a commitment to keep my phone as long as possible. I take better care of it and make sure to use protective cases and screen covers. I’ve also learned to ignore the hype around new models, focusing instead on what I actually need from my device. Most of the time, my current phone does the job just fine.

Not upgrading has saved me hundreds, if not thousands, over the years. I’ve realized that I don’t need the latest gadget to stay connected or productive. By holding onto my phone longer, I’m able to put that money toward more important financial goals.

8. Ended My Shopping for Fast Fashion

Fast fashion used to be my go-to for affordable, trendy clothes. But after a while, I noticed how quickly those items would fall apart or go out of style. I was constantly replacing pieces and, in the long run, spending more than I thought. Plus, I started to feel guilty about the environmental impact of all that waste.

I made the switch to buying higher-quality, timeless pieces that would last longer and never go out of style. Sure, they’re a bit more expensive upfront, but the savings over time are worth it. Instead of constantly buying and replacing clothes, I’ve built a wardrobe that works for every season.

Now, I feel good about the clothes I own, and I’m spending far less on fashion. I’m more thoughtful about what I buy and make sure it’s something that will last. Not only am I saving money, but I’m also reducing my carbon footprint, which makes me feel even better about my choices.

9. Cut Out Paid Entertainment—Opting for Free Activities

I used to spend a lot of money on entertainment—concerts, movies, events, and other paid activities were a regular part of my life. But those costs added up quickly, and I realized I was spending hundreds every month just to stay entertained. Something had to give.

I started looking for free or low-cost alternatives, and it turns out there’s a lot to do without breaking the bank. Local events, outdoor activities, and even just exploring new parts of my city became my go-to for fun. I also took advantage of free trials for online services, but only when I knew I’d actually use them.

Now, I’ve made a habit of seeking out fun experiences that don’t cost much, if anything at all. I’m still having a great time, but without the financial stress. It’s amazing how much money I’ve saved by cutting out paid entertainment, and I don’t feel like I’m missing out at all.

10. Stopped Paying for Beauty Services

For a long time, I justified the cost of beauty services like haircuts, manicures, and skincare treatments. They made me feel good, so why not? But when I tallied up the monthly expenses, I was shocked at how much I was spending on something I could potentially do myself. It seemed like a small indulgence here and there, but it added up quickly.

So, I decided to challenge myself and stop going to salons. Instead, I started learning how to take care of my own beauty routine at home. I invested in some quality tools and products, and with a little practice, I became surprisingly good at things like cutting my own hair, doing my nails, and even giving myself facials. It took some trial and error, but the savings were well worth the effort.

Now, I’m saving a significant amount of money every month, and I still feel pampered. It’s empowering to know that I can handle my beauty routine myself, and I actually enjoy the process. Plus, I love how much more control I have over my time—no more waiting for appointments or rushing to the salon!

11. Canceled All Automatic Product Reorders

I used to rely heavily on auto-reorders for everything from household products to skincare items. At first, it seemed convenient—I never had to worry about running out of essentials. But then I noticed something: I was receiving items I didn’t actually need yet, and some were piling up faster than I could use them. It was costing me money without me even realizing it.

I took control of my spending by canceling all my automatic reorders. Instead, I began keeping track of what I actually needed and only buying items as they ran out. This not only helped me avoid unnecessary purchases but also made me more mindful of how much I was using. I no longer had stockpiles of things I didn’t need, and my monthly expenses dropped significantly.

What surprised me most was how little I actually needed to reorder when I was intentional about it. By paying attention to my real usage, I avoided the trap of buying things just because they were convenient. Now, I save money each month by purchasing only what I truly need, when I need it.

12. No More Paid Coffee or Lunch Breaks

Grabbing a coffee or lunch on the go used to be my daily routine. It seemed harmless—after all, what’s a few dollars for a latte or a sandwich, right? But when I added up what I was spending over the course of a month, I realized these seemingly small purchases were making a big dent in my budget.

I decided to cut out all paid coffee and lunch breaks by bringing everything from home. It took a little extra planning, but now I make my own coffee in the morning and pack my lunch the night before. Not only have I saved hundreds of dollars, but I also feel healthier and more in control of what I’m eating.

The best part? I don’t miss it. In fact, I find that I enjoy my homemade lunches more than the overpriced meals I used to buy. And that daily coffee I brew at home tastes just as good, if not better, because I know I’m saving money with every cup.

13. Reduced Heating and Cooling Costs Drastically

Heating and cooling bills can be a huge drain on your budget, especially in extreme weather months. I used to keep my home at a comfortable temperature year-round without giving much thought to the cost. But once I started paying closer attention to my utility bills, I realized I needed to make some changes if I wanted to save money.

I started by being more strategic with my thermostat. In the winter, I kept it a bit cooler and wore extra layers around the house, and in the summer, I used fans instead of blasting the air conditioning. I also invested in energy-efficient curtains and sealed up drafts around windows and doors to keep the temperature inside more stable.

These small changes made a huge difference. My heating and cooling costs dropped dramatically, and I hardly noticed the difference in comfort. Now, I’m saving money every month on my energy bills, and it feels great to know I’m being more environmentally conscious, too.

14. Stopped Driving Daily—Opting to Bike or Walk

For years, I relied on my car for just about everything, whether it was a quick trip to the store or my daily commute. Gas, maintenance, and insurance were regular costs I had accepted as part of life. But when I calculated how much I was spending each month just to keep my car on the road, I realized there had to be a better way.

I decided to stop driving every day and started biking or walking whenever possible. For shorter trips, this was a no-brainer, and even for longer commutes, I found that biking was often faster than I expected. Not only did I save money on gas and wear-and-tear for my car, but I also got some great exercise in the process.

Now, I only drive when it’s absolutely necessary. The savings on fuel, insurance, and car maintenance have been huge, and I feel great knowing I’m reducing my carbon footprint. Plus, biking and walking have become a fun part of my routine that I look forward to each day.

When I first started making these changes, it felt a little extreme, but the results spoke for themselves. By cutting out these habits and embracing a more intentional approach to spending, I was able to save hundreds of dollars every single month. It wasn’t just about tightening my budget—it was about redefining my relationship with money and focusing on what truly matters.

If you’re looking for ways to save more and spend less, I encourage you to try some of these changes for yourself. It might feel tough at first, but once you see the savings pile up, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make the switch sooner. After all, saving money isn’t just about giving things up—it’s about creating more freedom and peace of mind in the long run.

📌 SAVE THIS POST TO PINTEREST 📌